Shimoga and Wildlife

            Being part of Prosperous Malnad region, Shimoga district is placed in one of the biodiversity hotspots of the globe. The regions have few confined areas classified as wildlife sanctuaries to make sure the security of these species:

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is situated in Soraba Taluk. It has an area of 0.74 km², it comprises a large water reservoir covering 0.30 ha and a dense wet forest.

Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Sagara Taluk. It has evergreen forests beside the Linganamakki reservoir.

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is located very nearer to Shimoga city and has dry deciduous to semi-evergreen forests and has a region of 395.6 sq km.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is positioned on the National Highway 13, 30 km. apart from Shimoga city on the way to Thirthahalli. Mandagadde is actually a tiny island bounded by river Tunga and the birds sited here are median egret, cormorant, darter and snakebird.

Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari lies about 10 km. from Shimoga city on the way to Sagar town. Lions, tigers and deer are housed in an enclosed area and a safari is well organised.

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is 14 km. far from Shimoga city in Thirthahalli road. This is a training camp where elephants experience training from mahouts.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary was started in 1951 covering a region of about 252 sq km. It was united with the surrounding Lakkavalli forests and got its name of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. It now covers an area of 492 km². It has two section areas Muthodi and Lakkavalli. Wild animals found in this sanctuary are tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, sambar deer, spotted deer, monitor lizard, barking deer, wild boar, common langur, bonnet macaque, slender loris and the Malabar giant squirrel. Some of the birds housed here are shama, Malabar whistling thrush, bulbuls, woodpeckers, hornbills and pigeons, drongos and Asian paradise flycatcher. This place has been adopted under a tiger protection project called 'Project Tiger' which is an program from the Indian Government. Best time to visit is from October to February.

Python, cobra, king cobra, rat snake and marsh crocodile are among the reptiles. Dangerous King Cobra is found in forests near Agumbe.

Animals in this sanctuary comprise tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, elephant, sloth bear, sambar deer, spotted deer, Wild pig, Common langur, Striped-necked mongoose, Porcupine, Malabar giant squirrel and pangolin.